Eltham Copper Butterfly

The Eltham Copper Butterfly (Paralucia pyrodiscus lucida) was discovered in 1938 in Eltham.  After 1956 it was thought to be extinct until a population was found again at Eltham in 1986.  Since then this small butterfly - its wingspan is only 2.5cm - has diminished in abundance and numbers due to destruction of its habitat and the isolation of populations.  The Eltham Copper Butterfly is listed as Threatened under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 and is considered Vulnerable.

If you would you like to help an endangered butterfly, then please come along and volunteer for the annual caterpillar surveys of the Eltham Copper Butterfly.  Counts begin in October each year.